Topical Bible: Love: Abraham for Lot

◄ Love: Abraham for Lot ►

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The relationship between Abraham and Lot is a profound example of familial love and responsibility, as depicted in the Old Testament. Abraham, originally named Abram, was the uncle of Lot, the son of Abraham's brother Haran. Their relationship is marked by Abraham's protective and selfless actions towards Lot, demonstrating a deep sense of love and duty.

Genesis 12:4-5 introduces us to the journey of Abraham and Lot: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. And Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan." This passage highlights the initial bond and shared journey, as Lot accompanies Abraham in obedience to God's call.

As their wealth and herds increased, tensions arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot, leading to a potential conflict. In Genesis 13:8-9, Abraham demonstrates his love and concern for Lot by offering him the first choice of land to prevent strife: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. For we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.'" Abraham's willingness to defer to Lot's choice underscores his selflessness and desire for peace.

The depth of Abraham's love for Lot is further illustrated in the dramatic rescue of Lot from captivity. In Genesis 14:14-16, when Lot is taken captive by invading kings, Abraham takes immediate action: "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people." Abraham's courageous and decisive intervention reflects his unwavering commitment to Lot's safety and well-being.

Abraham's intercession for Lot during the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is another testament to his love. In Genesis 18:23-33, Abraham pleads with God to spare the city for the sake of the righteous, including Lot. His persistent negotiation with God, asking if the city would be spared for the sake of fifty, forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten righteous people, reveals his deep concern for Lot and his family.

The narrative of Abraham and Lot is a compelling portrayal of love that transcends mere familial obligation. Abraham's actions consistently reflect a heart of compassion, selflessness, and a desire for the welfare of his nephew. Through his willingness to sacrifice, protect, and intercede, Abraham exemplifies a love that is both practical and profound, rooted in faith and obedience to God.

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Genesis 14:14-16
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them to Dan.
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Library

The Call of Abraham
... formed hastily. We love each other. Like Abraham, and Lot and his family,
we will journey together; we have no cause to fear. Do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... as the latchet of a shoe, and thus gat Abram much love of all ... What time our Lord
subverted these cities he remembered Abraham, and delivered Lot from the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

Of Lot's Deliverance from Sodom, and Its Consumption by Fire from ...
... Lot's wife, indeed, when she looked back, remained, and, being ... not by the mother's;
[937] for she was Abraham's sister by ... age she could be fallen in love with. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 30 of lots deliverance from.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... Father of us all, whom we should always love and obey ... lived there were so very wicked,
and Abraham prayed Him ... found in them, for he remembered that Lot lived in ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

From Abraham to Egypt.
... The spirit of forgiveness and love for his humble kinsmen ... Abraham is called or appointed
of God to be the ... intercedes for a wicked Sodom and saved lot, all of ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iv from abraham to.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... I also may hear your discourse, for I love to hear ... And Sarah said with weeping, My
Lord Abraham, what is ... us this day brought thee tidings of Lot, thy brother's ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... as necessarily issuing in love to man, and of the true love to man ... nowadays, which
need sorely the lesson that God 'remembered Abraham' and delivered Lot. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... But there we read that "Lot's righteous soul was vexed ... made this discovery: that
it takes more love and self ... I can imagine that Abraham talks to Isaac and tells ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

Abraham's Faith
... captive the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot, Abraham's nephew. ... was a sign and
a lesson to Abraham, as much ... but born in your own house, who love and trust ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xii abrahams faith.htm

1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13
... not, it is not from the number of children that we are thus mad, but from the love
of money. ... And this, we see, happened in the case of Abraham. ... For Lot," it is ...
/.../homily x 1 thessalonians v.htm